5 Reasons to Visit Shipwreck Beads November Artisan Market

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The holiday shopping season is upon us. And, finding that unique gift and avoiding the holiday shopping crowds isn’t always easy. Instead of buying Uncle Ned another generic tie or knick-knack, head over to the Shipwreck Beads November Artisan Market where you will find handmade treasures for everyone on your list. The market makes holiday shopping a breeze. And, for the first time, you will have two days to shop, Saturday and Sunday, November 25 and 26, making it even easier to find those special gifts. It’s all happening at their Lacey location, 8560 Commerce Place Drive NE, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.

In its fifth year, the market just keeps growing. Beth Simmons, buyer and event coordinator at Shipwreck Beads, expects all 100 vendor spots to fill up by the event date – they are already almost full. If you haven’t attended one of their Artisan Markets before, you don’t know what you are missing. Here are five reasons why you should visit this year – and don’t forget your list.

1Always Something New

The vendors at the November Artesian Market are all local artists, cooks, designers and crafters who hand make their items. Photo credit: Shipwreck Beads

You never know what you are going to find at the Shipwreck Beads Artisan Market. With new vendors attending each year, you will always be surprised at the exciting treasures awaiting discovery. “This year we have a really diverse group,” says Beth. “We just keep getting more and more vendors that make incredibly unique items.”

Some of this year’s talented artisans will be selling handmade coil baskets, lotions, soaps, stain glass, wood-carving block prints, taxidermy jewelry, “geeky” clothing and nerd accessories, upcycled clothing, twisted wire trees, wooden children’s toys, wooden bowls, wreaths, cedar and alder pendants, native art, candles, food, chainmail – there are too many too list. Favorite vendors, including Pigtail Creations whose pickles are a favorite among the staff at Shipwreck Beads, will be returning as well. “We have her bring a whole case just for us to buy,” says Beth.

2Support Local Artisans and our Local Economy

Buying your holiday gifts from local vendors, like these young, talented artists, keeps your money in the regional economy and helps your neighbors support themselves. Photo credit: Shipwreck Beads

Supporting local artisans and, in turn, our local economy, is why Shipwreck Beads started the markets in the first place. “Endorsing local artists is something we desperately need to do here in our community,” says Beth. “It’s the whole motivation behind doing the event – to help foster that community. We’ve seen two business here in Washington State in the beading industry move their fulfillment to Idaho because the minimum wage is less. We need to encourage these businesses to stay here and keep their jobs here by giving them our shopping dollars.”

This is also why Shipwreck Beads chooses to hold their Artisan Market on Small Business Saturday, to encourage holiday shoppers to “shop small” for their gifts, making a real difference. We all spend a lot of money during the holidays, why not keep it in our own community’s economy?

3One-stop Shopping

Each year, the vendor hall has grown as local artisans learn it’s a great place to get one more batch of sales after the farmers markets have closed and before the holidays. Photo credit: Shipwreck Beads

Have a long list? Don’t worry – there is something for everyone on your list, from kids and grandparents to friends and co-workers. And while you may be thinking that “craft fairs” only have “girly gifts”, in the case of this market, you’d be way off. The November Artisan Market has plenty of items for the men in your life including items crafted by leather artisans, handmade knives and the Dirty Man Soap Company, a favorite of Beth’s. “Their new scent, Tobacco Amber, is my new favorite scent,” says Beth. “It is so yummy. It smells like your grandfather’s jacket – a sweet, pipe tobacco type scent. I will be buying a case of it at this year’s market.”

With their list of vendors, you won’t have to go anywhere else to find something for everyone on your list.

4Support the Thurston County Food Bank

Shipwreck Beads supports the Thurston County Food bank through their November Artisan’s Market.

Attending the November Artisan Market is not only an easy way to find gifts for everyone on your list, but you can do your holiday giving at the same time. Shipwreck Beads holds a drive for the Thurston County Food Bank at the market. Every dollar or two cans of non-perishable food you donate gets you a raffle ticket for their drawings. “Vendors donate items they have made by hand for the raffle prizes. It’s really great,” says Beth.

Wrap It Up For A Cure, another favorite, will also be returning with her mesh wreaths and hand-knitted scarves, hats and blankets. All the proceeds benefit cancer charities.

5Find Something for Yourself

A wide range of gifts (or treats for yourself) await you, from these beautiful stain glass pieces of art, to pipe-tobacco scented soap. Photo credit: Shipwreck Beads

It wouldn’t be the holidays without spoiling yourself just a little bit. In addition to finding a treasure or two for yourself, there are plenty of fun activities to do while at the Artisan Market including psychics and tarot card readings. They are also hosting a free make-and-take Christmas ornament booth, giving you a chance to take a break from shopping to relax and let your creative juices flow. The ornament will make a great gift, or keep it as a little something for yourself.

And, don’t be afraid of going hungry. On-site vendor Warthog BBQ will have tasty treats to keep you going as you shop.

Mark your calendar for Saturday and Sunday, November 25 and 26, and get ready to have all your holiday shopping done in no time. This year, an ATM will be onsite for your convenience, too. To keep up-to-date on the attending vendors, follow Shipwreck Beads on Facebook. If you have questions, visit the Shipwreck Beads website or call them at 800-950-4232.

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